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Ukraine’s Steel Export Shifts Impacting European Plant Activity: A Positive Outlook

In Europe, Ukrainian export dynamics significantly influence regional steel production. Increased Ukrainian pig iron exports, as reported in “Ukraine increased its pig iron exports by 55% year-on-year in January-July,” contrast with decreased exports of semi-finished products, detailed in “Ukrainian steel companies reduced exports of semi-finished products by 36% y/y in January-July.” The link between these shifts and observed plant activity levels isn’t directly evident from provided information.

Bar chart and satellite map of steel production activity in Europe

Observed activity levels at the selected plants have fluctuated. SIJ Acroni Jesenice steel plant experienced a peak in May (48%) followed by a decline to 35% in July and August. SN SEIXAL Siderurgia Nacional steel plant showed relative stability until July, when activity increased, reaching 53% in August. Acciaierie Venete Sarezzo steel plant saw a consistent decline from March (60%) to August (45%). The “Mean Steelplant Activity in Europe” is consistently negative and thus cannot be used for comparisons against individual steel plant activities. Direct connections between these plant-specific activity variations and the Ukrainian export news cannot be explicitly established based on the provided data.

SIJ Acroni Jesenice, with a 726 ktpa EAF-based crude steel capacity, focuses on flat rolled products. The recent drop in activity from May to August doesn’t directly correlate with news about Ukrainian exports but could reflect broader European demand shifts. SN SEIXAL Siderurgia Nacional, also EAF-based with 1100 ktpa capacity, produces semi-finished and finished rolled products. The plant’s increase in activity in August does not have an explicit link to the named articles. Acciaierie Venete Sarezzo, with a 540 ktpa EAF capacity, produces bars and wire rod for various sectors. The plant’s consistent decline in activity levels does not have an explicit connection to any of the named articles.

The increased exports of long rolled products from Ukraine, as stated in “Ukraine increased its exports of long rolled products by 56.7% y/y in January-July,” may indirectly impact demand for similar products from European producers.

Evaluated Market Implications:

While no direct causality can be established between Ukrainian export changes and activity data of the specified plants, steel buyers should monitor potential regional price pressures arising from increased Ukrainian exports, especially in long rolled products. The increased activity at SN SEIXAL Siderurgia Nacional alongside decreased exports of semi-finished products from the Ukraine highlights the importance of monitoring regional supply shifts. Procurement professionals should diversify sources and negotiate contracts that allow for flexibility in sourcing locations to mitigate potential disruptions.